Making WA a fair state, not “just a great state” must be front-and-centre of politicians’ minds in the lead up to the 2025 state election, according to WA’s peak community advocacy group.
Making WA a fair state, not “just a great state” must be front-and-centre of politicians’ minds in the lead up to the 2025 state election, according to WA’s peak community advocacy group.
And the WA Council of Social Services has called on the state government to “end the funding insecurity” for the sector, arguing for a one-off “catch-up” injection of cash to make up for historical underfunding.
WACOSS on Wednesday night launched its election campaign centered around ‘making WA fair’ and ‘leaving no one behind’ while pointing out social service providers were buckling under the dual pressures of housing and cost-of-living crises.
In that report WACOSS highlighted three years of high costs and low wage growth which had left low-income residents without financial reserves, regular meals, safe housing, or the opportunity to plan for the future.
That statement was backed by research released earlier this week which found 40 per cent of Western Australians would need assistance to pay an unexpected $500 bill.
WACOSS chief executive Louise Giolitto said the needs of communities must be placed above politics.
“The State Government has made efforts on cost of living and we support that, but more needs to be done for those doing it toughest,” she said.
“It’s clear that some Western Australians need more assistance than others.
“Making WA fair means prioritising policies that address inequality, supporting those doing it tough, and creating pathways where everyone has the chance to succeed.”
WACOSS will continue its advocacy to revoke the right of landlords to no-grounds evictions of tenants and the implementation of rent relief measures.
Universal access to early years education and expansion of integrated child and family hubs, were also on the wish list.
Free public transport for tertiary students and an expanded school breakfast and lunch program were also on the cards.
In a joint statement, Ms Giolitto and WACOSS president Mark Glasson said everyone in Western Australia had either experienced housing or financial pressure firsthand or knew someone who had.
“Short term sugar hits can only go so far,” they said.
“What we need moving forward is targeted and genuine long-term solutions.
“With fairer and better targeting, we could ensure help is concentrated on families and individuals who need it the most.”
Key policy measures
- A cost-of-living package to assist those unable to cover basic expenses
- More funding for financial counselling and emergency relief
- Extend the rent relief program beyond June 2025
- Extend free public transport to tertiary students
- More investment in the Hardship Utility Grant Scheme and Patient Assisted Travel Scheme
- Expand school breakfast and lunch programs
- Abolish no-grounds evictions and limit rent increases
- Create an Office of Early Childhood and a WA Early Childhood Workforce Development Fund
- Reform approvals to shift encourage care service establishment in underserviced areas instead of profitable sectors
- Child care centres in Halls Creek, Meekatharra, Leinster, Derby, and Bunbury
